Singapore, May 2 -- Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have achieved a significant breakthrough in the field of speech technology with the development and patenting of 'LOQU', a novel method to generate human speech signals directly from vocal cord vibration signals.

During speech, vocal folds vibrate due to intrinsic laryngeal muscle movement. In some cases, like mutism from apraxia, individuals may have normal vocal fold vibration without sound production due to coordination issues in tongue or throat muscles essential for speech.

Derived from the Latin word for 'To speak or talk', this technology captures vocal fold movement without invasive procedures, utilising sensors placed over the throat. This inno...